United in Christ: Armor, Forgiveness, and Spiritual Warfare

Unity is at the heart of God’s people, especially in times of spiritual battle. We are not isolated individuals or even just a single church or denomination; we are the body of Christ, called to stand together in a world that desperately needs the light and love of Jesus. In Ephesians 6, we are reminded that we are in a daily spiritual war, and our defense is not found in our own strength, but in God Himself. The command to “put on all of God’s armor” is not a suggestion to take up a piece here or there, but a call to sink fully into the protection and presence of God. The Greek word “enduo” means to “sink into” or “clothe yourself with,” and it is used throughout the New Testament to describe putting on Christ Himself. This armor is not just from God—it is God. He is our defense, our shield, our strength, and our refuge.

The enemy, Satan, is methodical and patient, crafting strategies and schemes that are built on lies. One of his most effective tactics is to divide the people of God, turning us against one another and making us forget who the real enemy is. We are not fighting against flesh and blood—people are not our enemy. Even when opposition comes through people, we must remember that they are not the source of our struggle; the enemy is. Jesus modeled this perfectly, forgiving those who hurt Him, even as He hung on the cross. He calls us to do the same: to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who mistreat us, and to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Revival and the move of God’s Spirit require a united, praying, and repentant people. Unforgiveness is a foothold for the enemy, a chink in our armor that leaves us vulnerable. God is inviting us to let go of offense, to forgive, and to turn to Him with all our hearts. This is a moment of freedom and restoration, a time to prepare for what God wants to do in and through us. As we respond in repentance and forgiveness, we step into the fullness of God’s protection and presence, ready to stand firm together against the schemes of the enemy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Armor Is God Himself The armor we are called to put on is not merely spiritual equipment, but the very presence and person of God. To “sink into” God’s armor is to be clothed with Christ, to be saturated with His presence, and to find our defense in Him alone. This is a profound invitation to abide in Him so completely that our lives are hidden in His strength and protection. [15:13]
• 2. The Enemy’s Schemes Are Methodical and Built on Lies Satan is not haphazard in his attacks; he is patient, strategic, and has studied us closely. His primary weapon is deception, crafting strongholds in our minds and relationships through well-crafted lies. Recognizing the methodical nature of his schemes helps us remain vigilant and dependent on God’s truth. [18:58]
• 3. People Are Not the Enemy—Spiritual Perspective Is Essential It is easy to see those who oppose or hurt us as the enemy, but Scripture calls us to a higher perspective. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. This understanding frees us from offense and empowers us to love, forgive, and pray for those who may be used by the enemy, intentionally or not. [23:12]
• 4. Forgiveness Is a Weapon Against Division and a Key to Freedom Unforgiveness is a foothold for the enemy, keeping us tethered to the past and vulnerable to further attack. Jesus modeled radical forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable pain. When we forgive, we break the enemy’s hold, close the gaps in our armor, and step into the freedom and restoration God desires for us. [32:25]
• 5. Revival and Unity Require Repentance and a Posture of Prayer God is moving and desires to pour out His Spirit, but this move is sustained by a people who are united, prayerful, and repentant. Letting go of offense and coming before God in humility prepares us for the wave of His presence. This is a call to respond, to seek healing, and to be restored so that we can stand together as the body of Christ. [34:18]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:23] - The Urgency of Unity in the Body of Christ
• [04:05] - The Call to Put On All of God’s Armor
• [10:41] - God’s Armor: The King’s Armor That Fits
• [12:19] - God Is Our Defense and Our Strength
• [15:13] - Sinking Into Christ: The Deeper Meaning of “Put On”
• [16:23] - Standing Firm Against the Enemy’s Strategies
• [18:58] - The Methodical Schemes of Satan
• [22:40] - Our Real Enemy: Not Flesh and Blood
• [23:12] - Overcoming Offense: People Are Not the Enemy
• [28:46] - Jesus’ Example of Radical Forgiveness
• [30:45] - Fighting Offense With Forgiveness
• [32:25] - Truth in Love: Breaking Strongholds
• [34:18] - Revival, Repentance, and the Power of Forgiveness
• [37:08] - Responding to God: Forgiveness and Restoration
• [40:00] - Closing and Invitation to the Altar

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV) — > Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Isaiah 59:17 (ESV) — > He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

Luke 23:34 (ESV) — > And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Observation Questions

1. In Ephesians 6:11, what does Paul command believers to do, and what is the purpose of this command?
2. According to the sermon, what does the Greek word “enduo” mean, and how does it deepen our understanding of “putting on” God’s armor? [[15:13]]
3. In Isaiah 59:17, who is described as wearing armor, and what pieces are mentioned?
4. According to the sermon, who is our real enemy, and how does this change the way we view conflict with other people? [[23:12]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s armor is not just equipment but God Himself. What does it mean for believers to “sink into” or “clothe themselves with” Christ? [[15:13]]
2. The enemy’s schemes are described as methodical and built on lies. How might recognizing the enemy’s strategies help us respond differently to challenges or temptations? [[18:58]]
3. The sermon emphasizes that people are not our enemy, even when they oppose or hurt us. How does this perspective affect the way we handle offense or conflict within the church or our families? [[23:12]]
4. Jesus modeled forgiveness even on the cross. What does this teach us about the kind of forgiveness we are called to extend, especially when we have been deeply hurt? [[28:46]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that unforgiveness is a foothold for the enemy and leaves us vulnerable. Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to begin the process of forgiveness this week? [[34:18]]
2. The enemy’s strategy is to divide God’s people. Are there any relationships in your life—at church, at home, or at work—where you sense division or offense? What practical step could you take to pursue unity or reconciliation? [[18:58]]
3. The armor of God is described as God Himself—His presence and protection. What is one way you can intentionally “sink into” God’s presence this week, especially when you feel under spiritual attack? [[15:13]]
4. The sermon calls us to pray for those who mistreat us, following Jesus’ example. Can you think of someone who has hurt you or opposed you? How could you pray for them specifically this week? [[28:46]]
5. The move of God’s Spirit and revival require a united, praying, and repentant people. What is one area of your life where you need to repent or turn back to God? How can your small group support you in this? [[34:18]]
6. The sermon mentions that God’s armor “fits” us perfectly, unlike Saul’s armor on David. Are there ways you have tried to fight spiritual battles in your own strength or with the wrong “armor”? What would it look like to trust God’s way instead? [[10:41]]
7. The pastor invited people to respond by coming forward for forgiveness and restoration. What is one step you can take this week to move toward freedom and healing, either privately with God or by reaching out to someone for help? [[37:08]]